The wireless microphone technology in use by orchestras and other performing arts organizations continues to undergo regulatory changes. Following TV's transition to digital, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is re-examining the allowable uses of the broadcast spectrum currently occupied by wireless microphone technology, and is sending to Congress a plan to overhaul our nation’s broadband policies.

The Commission will soon consider whether wireless microphone users will be permitted to be licensed and protected from interference in the future, and is also considering further auction of the broadcast spectrum currently used for wireless microphones. The League, in partnership with our colleagues in the Performing Arts Alliance, is in ongoing communication with the FCC. We are encouraging the FCC to find solutions for nonprofit arts organizations to ensure that wireless microphone use is free of interference during performances and that any future requirement to relocate to new frequencies is affordable. We are also in the process of gathering information about your orchestra’s wireless microphone use to help us make the case as the FCC crafts its plans for regulating the use of wireless devices.

Reminder: The FCC will enforce their call for wireless microphone users to vacate the 700 MHz portion of the broadcast spectrum as of June 12, 2010. In order to comply with new FCC requirements, orchestras and the venues in which they perform need to make plans to vacate the 700 MHz Band immediately. The FCC has created a web page to assist wireless microphone users that currently operate in the 700 MHz Band.

Please direct any related questions to Heather Noonan, Vice President for Advocacy, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or Najean Lee, Government Affairs & Education Advocacy Manager, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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The League is a member of the Performing Arts Alliance, a coalition of national performing arts service organizations dedicated to advocating for national policies that recognize, enhance, and foster the contributions the performing arts make to America